GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The Gators are back again for a sold-out night game in The Swamp as they host the Charlotte 49ers Saturday for Tom Petty Day.
According to the Gators football program, they haven’t won three consecutive games since 2020. If Florida’s doesn’t back down and secures a win over Charlotte, that would change.
The Gators are coming off a sweet victory over Tennessee, defeating them 29-16. Not only did the Gators get a win over the Vols, but they also sneaked their way into the AP Poll at No. 25.
Regardless of the team’s win, Gators head coach Billy Napier said their team has to reset and be ready for each week’s new competition.
“This game requires execution, it requires work. It’s an attention to detail game,” said Napier. “Each week is its own entity.”
He says the goal is to not allow the past to affect them, and to develop a level of consistency.
The 49ers, on the other hand, are coming off two losses against Maryland and Georgia State and are looking to get their second win of the season. It’s the first time for some of their players to be playing in an atmosphere like The Swamp.
49ers head coach Biff Poggi acknowledged the challenge it can be playing in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and what it’s going to take for his team to stay concentrated on the task at hand.
“What we have to do is stay committed to our process and focus,” said Poggi. “Great fanbase in a big stadium can throw you off for sure and can get you to lose that focus and we just have to make sure that we can continue to keep it.”
Poggi added that it is 11 versus 11 players; not 11 players versus 90,000 fans. He says his 11 staying poised is key.
Fans are encouraged to wear orange to support the Gators. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.